What is a Military Parole in Place (MIL-PIP)

If you’re a spouse, parent, or a child under 21, of a U.S. service member or veteran then you have benefits you should consider taking advantage of.  Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law can be overwhelming, especially if your family members are living in the country without legal status. The Law Office of Sophia Solovyova specializes in helping military families resolve immigration challenges through the Military Parole in Place (MIL-PIP) program. This valuable benefit offers a pathway to legal status for military families, ensuring they remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation.

What is Military Parole in Place (MIL-PIP)?

Military Parole in Place (MIL-PIP) is an immigration benefit designed to support spouses, and parents of U.S. service members and veterans. It allows them to stay in the United States lawfully while pursuing permanent legal status. MIL-PIP is available to spouses and parents of active-duty members of the military, reservists, and veterans, whether they are alive or deceased.

This benefit grants family members temporary permission to remain in the U.S. without having to leave the country and reapply for entry. MIL-PIP also ensures that family members do not accrue unlawful presence, which can cause significant immigration issues, including bars to future entry or deportation.

Who is Eligible for MIL-PIP?

MIL-PIP is available to the spouse or parent of the following individuals:

• Active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces.
• Members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, including National Guard personnel.
• Veterans who have served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve, as long as they were not dishonorably discharged.

Notably, Military Parole in Place is available to children regardless of their age or marital status, which makes it an essential benefit for military families with dependent children.

How MIL-PIP Helps Military Families?

The primary goal of MIL-PIP is to allow service members to focus on their duties without the stress of worrying about the immigration status of their family members. It enables military families to stay together in the U.S. while pursuing permanent immigration status, which is especially important for military families stationed in the U.S. or abroad.

MIL-PIP also serves as a tool to help family members apply for other immigration benefits that require a lawful entry into the country. For instance, spouses and parents who have received MIL-PIP can apply for work authorization and, eventually, for permanent residency (a green card), avoiding the penalty of unlawful presence that would otherwise apply if they had entered without inspection or overstayed their visa.

What are the Benefits of MIL-PIP?

• Legal Stay: MIL-PIP grants family members lawful status in the U.S., allowing them to live without the fear of deportation.
• Work Authorization: Individuals approved for MIL-PIP may be eligible to apply for work authorization, which allows them to legally work in the United States.
• No Unlawful Presence: MIL-PIP prevents the family member from accruing unlawful presence, which could negatively affect future immigration applications or lead to deportation.
• Path to Permanent Residency: After receiving MIL-PIP, family members may qualify to apply for adjustment of status to obtain a green card, especially if they are a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 years old.

How to Apply for MIL-PIP?

To apply for MIL-PIP, the eligible individual must submit Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). When filling out the form, applicants should write “Military PIP” in the appropriate section, rather than selecting another application type.

Along with the completed form, applicants need to provide the following supporting documents:

• Proof of family relationship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other relevant documentation.
• Proof of military service, such as the service member’s military ID or DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Additional evidence that may support the case, including any favorable discretionary factors that might enhance the applicant’s chances of approval.

The application and supporting documents must be submitted to the local USCIS office based on either the applicant’s permanent address or the location of the service member’s assignment. Given the complexity of immigration laws, it’s highly recommended to seek assistance from an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the application process.

Why Choose Sophia Solovyova for Your MIL-PIP Case?

Sophia Solovyova is a compassionate and knowledgeable immigration attorney who understands the challenges that military families face when dealing with complex immigration matters. Here’s why you should trust her to handle your MIL-PIP case:

• Specialized Expertise: Sophia Solovyova has extensive experience in immigration law and understands the nuances of MIL-PIP and other military-related immigration benefits.
• Personalized Approach: Every family’s situation is unique, and Ms. Solovyova will tailor a strategy that fits your specific needs and circumstances.
• Multilingual Support: Fluent in Russian and proficient in Spanish, Ms. Solovyova can effectively communicate with clients from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Client-Centered Commitment: Ms. Solovyova is deeply dedicated to supporting military families and ensuring that they receive the legal protection they deserve.

Start the Process Today

If you or a family member is eligible for Military Parole in Place (MIL-PIP) and you want to explore how this benefit can help you secure your status in the U.S., contact Sophia Solovyova today.

Call 212-379-6471 or click here to schedule a consultation. Let’s take the next step in securing your family’s future in the United States. We are here to guide you every step of the way.